Gbenga Joseph Adeku North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
I have been working as a sculptor and upcycle artist for nearly a decade, turning discarded plastic and found materials into meaningful sculptures that carry my personal reflection. My work is inspired by a deep love for humanity and the sacredness of nature. Using simple symbols like ant to represent land life and fish for aquatic life, their stories speaking to many human truths.
I am an artist dedicated to the concept of transformation. I sculpt PET plastic waste into impactful visual stories. After completing several apprenticeships and receiving formal art training at Obafemi Awolowo University, I founded Xtetixupcycle in 2019. My studio serves as a hub for creativity and environmental awareness. My passion for innovation also led me to co-found Layerx, where I designed the "Ant Force 1" hand-painted sneakers for Nike store Climate Ed., bridging the gap between fine art and sustainable fashion. My plastic sculptures have been featured in several exhibitions across continents and have received modest coverage in publications globally. Through my TEDx talk, sneakers, and exhibitions, my mission remains the same: to catalyse a change in perspective.
Group Exhibitions: 60 by 60, Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University. 2021
Orilafinju: private viewing for Ibplc @50, Marriott, Ikeja, Lagos. 2021
Orilafinju: Duo Exhibit, Terrakulture Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos..2022
All Guts, Kokopelli Gallery, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. 2022
Ocean of Influences, UnmadeArt, Solo Exhibition, First Presbyterian Gallery, IN, USA. 2023
Solo Exhibition Nike AirMax Day, Nike store, Ikeja City Mall, Lagos. 2023
Junk is Just UnmadeArt, Solo Exhibition, Scrap Art Museum, Ile-Ife. 2024
Metalokan, Solo Exhibition, John Randle Museum, Lagos. 2025